Even though Bishops of Manila suspended services for Good Friday and Easter during the lockdown, many believers ignored the lockdown and flocked outside of churches to pray.
Those who whipped and flagellated themselves, said they believed it would grant salvation from their sins on Good Friday.
The Catholic Church has expressed disapproval of these self-punishments as misinterpretations of faith, saying prayers and sincere repentance are enough to commemorate the observance of Lent, but devotees believe the rites will cleanse away their sins, cure illnesses and even grant wishes.
On a side note, A new survey from the Christian polling group LifeWay Research finds that 56% of pastors at evangelical churches believe Jesus is returning — in the flesh — during their lifetimes, while 97% believe it’ll happen eventually.
While Christians celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, many pastors believe they see signs his return may be close,” said Scott McConnell, executive director LifeWay Research. “These sentiments were expressed in January before the prospect of a global pandemic became known.”
Even though its been a couple thousand years...
A 2009 Pew Research Center survey of all Christians, not just pastors, found similar trends. 20% of all Christians said Jesus would return in their lifetime, while 79% said it would happen eventually.
